Ander Herrera understands becoming an 'important player' for Manchester United won't be easy

The summer signing missed the last game through injury

Ander Herrera (GETTY IMAGES)

Ander Herrera has revealed he feels privileged to play for a club of the stature of Manchester United and recognises that he faces an uphill struggle to be considered an "important player" under Louis van Gaal.

The Spaniard was one of a raft of signings made over the summer and when available has been a fixture in the side.

He is currently on the sidelines after picking up an cracked rib in the 2-1 win over West Ham, meaning he missed the win over Everton that took United into the top four in the Premier League.

Having notched two goals in the five games in which he has played, Herrera has proven his worth to Van Gaal, however the 25-year-old recognises becoming an automatic choice on the team-sheet will not be easy.

“It’s a dream for me to be here but I have to work very hard if I want to be an important player at this great club," he is quoted by the Manchester Evening News.

He continued: “I always had a lot of respect for United. I knew that it was one of the best clubs in the world and one of the most recognised and most followed, I saw the statistics for that.

“I have really enjoyed things and I am very happy, and I now understand how big the club is. In America on tour there were a lot of people supporting us and now in Manchester, when we play at Old Trafford and you see fans around the city, I understand even more.”

United hope Herrera will be available for selection after the international break when they travel to West Brom.